One story dominated the headlines in March as a fire ripped through a warehouse near St Mary’s Stadium, but disruption in bin collections and awful school dinners also commanded attention in the third month of 2024.

On March 3, a plastics warehouse in Melbourne Street caught alight, throwing a huge black column of smoke into the city’s skyline that could be seen as far afield as the Isle of Wight and Winchester.

Some 100 firefighters tackled the blaze, forcing St Mary’s Primary School in Ascupart Street to close and one person to receive medical attention for smoke inhalation.

The fire service's response as some 100 firefighters tackled the fire.The fire service's response as some 100 firefighters tackled the fire. (Image: Jose Ramos) Commenters joked that it could have been Saints’ promotion hopes going up in flames but the football club were forced to postpone their Championship match against Preston North End FC.

READ MORE: Fire breaks out near St Mary's Stadium, Southampton - as it happened

The Echo brought ran three days of live coverage until roads closures were eventually lifted.

Before the fire, readers on social media loved the announcement of Skylark Golf and Country Club being bought out eight months after going into administration – keeping the club alive.

Waves were made on March 10 as Fareham Borough Council sent locals up in arms with changes to bin collections.

Later on March 13, the headteacher at Redbridge Community School slammed catering company Chartwells for ‘completely unacceptable’ food in a letter apologising to parents.

Some of the 'unacceptable' food on offer at Redbridge Community School.Some of the 'unacceptable' food on offer at Redbridge Community School. (Image: Redbridge School) Jason Ashley’s letter included pictures of the food being served to staff.

Mr Ashley said: “Frankly, the food that is served in the canteen is completely unacceptable, so much so, that if my own children's school served this I would be exceptionally unhappy.”

READ MORE: Southampton animal rescue centre urgently needs help to rehome dogs

On March 25, Facebook users were captivated by puppy eyes as an animal rescue centre urgently appealed for help to rehome dogs.

Rose Milne runs the Second Chance Animal Rescue (SCAR) shelter in Mansbridge.Rose Milne runs the Second Chance Animal Rescue (SCAR) shelter in Mansbridge. (Image: NQ) The Second Chance Animal Rescue (SCAR) in Mansbridge told the Echo it was desperate to find homes for some of its animals after a lockdown puppy boom and sky-high vet bills.

Rose Milne, 72, the rescue co-ordinator, said: “These dogs have so many issues after being bought during Covid and not having an ordinary life.

“We had a three-year-old dog that came to us that had never seen grass – now that just isn’t right.”